Education First, Theatre Second
I used to think the role of a Theatre in Education company was to produce a fun, entertaining show that helped children engage with topics they sometimes struggled to access in the classroom.
I used to think that children laughing, reacting, and enjoying themselves was enough.
But over the last few years, I’ve realised that this approach only scratches the surface of what we can, and should, be doing for schools.
The true role of a Theatre in Education company is to educate… it’s in the title!
So education MUST come first, with theatre being used as the tool, not the other way around.
This doesn’t mean shows shouldn’t be engaging or entertaining, they absolutely should be. Joy, laughter and excitement matter. But if an experience can’t be returned to in the classroom… if it doesn’t genuinely support teaching and learning… then it isn’t actually useful to schools, or helpful to teachers.
So we now create our shows from a very different starting point.
We prioritise accessibility and clear curriculum links at the scriptwriting and direction stages, and use our performers’ skills to bring that learning to life. We also build in ways for the learning to continue beyond the performance, through follow-up workshops and classroom resources, including lesson plans and worksheets.
Our goal is no longer just a great time in the hall.
It’s meaningful learning that lasts long after we’ve left.
Kate Maunder
CEO